Governor Ron DeSantis Meets with Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon and Strengthens Florida’s Commercial Ties with South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis met with Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon to demonstrate Florida’s position as a strong leader in economic development and trade and reaffirm a sister state agreement between Florida and the Gyeonggi Province. The Governor was joined by Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd.

All photos may be used courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor. 

“Building strong relationships with countries in the Asia Pacific region allows for new economic opportunities to grow and strengthens our ability to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s growing influence,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is happy to reaffirm the sister state agreement with the Gyeonggi Province and continue to strengthen economic ties with South Korea.”

“One of the most meaningful aspects of our job at Enterprise Florida is representing Florida while building international relationships,” said Laura DiBella, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida. “We are thankful for the warm welcome we have received here in South Korea and for the chance to grow our connection with one of Florida’s largest trading partners.”

“It is an honor as Florida’s Chief Protocol Officer to bear witness to the signing of this sister state agreement between Florida and the Gyeonggi Province in South Korea,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “This agreement will help to promote cultural bonds between Florida and Korea and will further develop our economic ties.”

Florida and South Korea’s Economic Relationship

South Korean affiliates in Florida are estimated to have total holdings of more than $107 million with South Korean companies like Hyundai Motor Group and Korean Airlines having operations in Florida.

Merchandise trade between Florida and South Korea exceeds $1.3 billion annually, making it Florida’s 7^th largest bilateral trade partner in Asia and the Middle East region. South Korea imported more than $341.6 million from Florida in 2022, while Florida imported more than $951 million in goods from South Korea in 2022.

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